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Don't miss these two beautifully decorated Deere family mansions during the holiday season. The 19th Century Christmas features the interiors of the homes decorated for the holidays; along with living-history volunteers, Choir performances, Santa Claus, music, and make-and-take activities for the children. These homes once belonged to the John Deere family and are now operated by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust. Open noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

Come to downtown Barrington for the annual Christkindl Festival. This is an open-air event during the holiday season featuring authentic German food, live entertainment, drinks, fun activities for families and kids crafts, live reindeer, carousel & train rides, Gingerbread House competition and even Santa's house. Please visit the website for a complete list of entertainment.

The 25th Annual Berwyn Rt66 Car Show sponsored by Paisans Pizzeria & Bar will be held on Ogden Avenue in Berwyn. Berwyn has always been a great Route 66 town with a thriving, dynamic and fast-growing community at its hear. Stand on Historic Route 66 and see over 500 vintage and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles. This show has something for everyone! Demonstrations of Automobile Flamethrowing will thrill spectators!

Get ready for a sidesplitting ride as we go on an excursion only the 3 Redneck Tenors could have had, delighting audiences with their vocal prowess and a smorgasbord of songs and music. See them live at the EPC at 7 p.m.

The 5th Annual Downhome Music Beer Art Festival will be held on August 7th and 8th 2015 at the corner of 7th and Washington in downtown Springfield, Illinois. The event will feature all local, original live bands with all gate proceeds directly benefiting the artists. There will be local food vendors, 100 different craft beers, as well as a kids area for the little ones. Sponsored by Celtic Mist, Head West and Brewhaus - a festival supporting locally grown and original live music.

Held each year over Labor Day weekend, the National Sweetcorn Festival is best known for distributing over 50 tons of free, antique steam engine cooked, sweetcorn each year! Traditional carnival rides and grandstand events are additional highlights throughout the weekend, and the festival is home to the annual National Sweetheart pageant, a highly recognized pageant in which nine former contestant have gone on to become Miss America.

This museum is one of the most-visited presidential museums in the nation where visitors can experience the entire Lincoln story under one roof, from Abe's humble beginnings in an Indiana log cabin to his days as president in the White House. Be dazzled by two special effects theaters featuring historical ghosts and a Civil War battlefield, life-like vignettes that depict important moments in the president’s life, and artifacts that range from Lincoln’s stovepipe hat to an original copy of the Gettysburg Address.

Held annually at the Mendon Fairgrounds outside of Quincy, IL. 2014 dates are from July 29-Aug 4th. For more information, contact the office at 217-936-2230. The County Fair includes a carnival, grandstand events, and horse shows every day. Livestock exhibitors and domestic arts exhibits. Admission: $7 Thurs, Fri, Sun, & Tues. $10 Sat, Mon, & Wed.

At Aerie's, the individual Cottages include jaccuzzi tubs, kitchenettes and private decks. The Lodge, perfect for family gatherings, includes a common room, full kitchen and a deck shared by four en-suite rooms. The Vacation Villas offer multiple arrangements and include private deck space with access to the swimming pool and clubhouse. Free Wi-fi.

Alan Jackson is an American singer, songwriter and musician, known for blending traditional honky tonk and mainstream country sounds and penning many of his own hits. He has recorded 15 studio albums, 3 Greatest Hits albums, 2 Christmas albums, 2 Gospel albums and several compilations. Tickets: $95/80, Lawn: $38 in advance and $43 the day of the show.

Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city’s most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.

Winged monsters, explorers, riverboats and a gentle giant. The Alton Museum of History & Art shows the crossroads of American history in Alton. The museum is located in the historic Loomis Hall across from the Wadlow statue. Loomis Hall is the oldest building in the state of Illinois continuously utilized for education. One of the most popular rooms, the Wadlow Room, pays tribute to Alton's "Gentle Giant" and the World's Tallest Man. The Pioneer Room explores the history of Alton from the Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Civil War with exhibits on Elijah Lovejoy, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and the "Alton Route" on the Underground Railroad. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered rock, salsa and jazz fusion. The band's sound featured his melodic, blues-based guitar lines set against Latin and African rhythms featuring percussion instruments such as timbales and congas not generally heard in rock music. Santana continued to work in these forms over the following decades. He will be performing 2 nights. Reserved seat tickets are $100/$120 and lawn seats are $38 in advance and $43 the day of performance.

National Rumely Oil Pull Expo in 2015! Visit the 50-acre showground and experience the fall harvest early 1900’s style. Event features the historical value of collection and exhibition of gasoline and steam tractors, power driven farm machinery and other equipment through field demonstrations, displays of gas engines, garden tractors, farm tractors and equipment. Tractor pulls, craft demonstrations, speakers, children activities and music are featured daily. Food is available and parking is free. .

Enjoy a day of fun with art, music, history, and good food on the grounds of the historic Ellwood Mansion at the Ellwood House Museum’s annual summer event, the Art Fair & Ice Cream Social. Thirty artists from the Midwest will exhibit and sell their work on the front lawn of the mansion in such media as paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and fiber arts. Folk rock duo Patchouli will entertain during the first part of the day and at 2:30 P.M., the DeKalb Municipal Band will take over for its annual concert on the terrace. First-floor tours of the Ellwood Mansion and the Ellwood-Nehring House will be offered from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The DeKalb Area Garden Club will present garden vignettes in the Visitor Center throughout the day.

The Cache River Wetlands offers great opportunities for eagle watching, as well as spotting other birds. The Cache River Wetland Center provides resource and identification materials to help you spot eagles and other birds in the area and along the rivers. They will provide maps and directions to the viewing station for the nest just off Illinois Route 37 off Perks road and south of the visitor's center.

Just minutes away from the city but a world away, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds and creeks round out the outdoor experience.

Bang Bang Pie Shop has been banging out delicious pies in Chicago for a short time, but the notoriety they have received is nothing short of delicious. Every day they offer a chocolate, cream and fruit pie option using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. But beware; if you’re looking for a place that just bangs out everything for everyone, you might want to look elsewhere because these guys make their pies like Grandma used to. From made-from-scratch warm biscuits to homemade pies, either way you can’t go wrong.

Indulge yourself at the Beall Mansion, a sumptuous Bed and Breakfast Inn located 12 blocks from the Mississippi River. Designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this elegant mansion features 18 ionic columns, eleven and a half foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and marble and bronze statuary throughout. Let us pamper you with sumptuous feather beds, whirlpools for two, 24 hour "all you can eat" chocolate buffet, and optional gourmet breakfast in bed. Free Wi-fi. In room massage, spa, golf and corporate packages available.

Bennison’s Bakery has been a North Shore institution since 1938, earning a reputation as a high quality full line bakery with emphasis on European style pastries, cookies, and custom decorated cakes. Bennison’s Bakery is one of the few bakeries in the country to employ two Certified Master Bakers, and with experience comes unsurpassed quality.

Save the dates for Friday, September 18th from 6-11 p.m. and Saturday, September 19th from Noon-11 p.m. and make the trip to Berwyn's Historic Depot District. The event boasts an international food court, carnival and amusement rides, family entertainment pavilion, and crafters and vendors. Enjoy live musical performances, a Beer Garden featuring special Oktoberfest seasonal selections!

A delicious mixture of cocoa is found every which way along the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail in the four-county area of Northwest Illinois. Enjoy visiting candy stores, bed and breakfasts with special chocolate-themed packages, gift shops and old-fashioned soda fountains.

This monument is located on the site of Kellogg's Grove, an early settlement established in 1827 on a mail route between Peoria and Galena, and now on the National Register of Historic Places. It honors those killed in the Blackhawk War, including in the final Illinois Battle which occurred at this grove in June, 1832. Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Illinois militia, helped bury five of the slain men. The remaining soldiers were originally buried throughout the area at the spots at which they fell. Fifty years after the war, local farmers collected the remains and buried them in one enclosure on top of this hill overlooking the Yellow Creek Valley. The 34-foot high monument was dedicated in 1886.

March 16, 2015 - Bluegill Music Festival will lunch its inaugural event on July 4, 2015 for a one-day festival packed with some of country music's hottest acts. The all-day festival will be complete with Southern Illinois' largest fireworks display, along the shores of the Rend Lake Dam, in Benton, IL. The lineup includes Eli Young Band, LoCash, Clayton Anderson and more exciting acts to be announced. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, March 20th and can be purchased at www.bluegillfest.com and at Black Diamond Harley Davidson. Drawing fans from around the country, including Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana, the festival is at the intersection of some of the nation's most dedicated country music fans. Bluegill Music Festival will feature nationally recognized BBQ vendors from around the country. Interactive entertainment for fans will also include activations, like: bags, washers, bubble soccer, Illinois longest slip n' slide, helicopter rides from Black Diamond Harley Davidson, a mechanical bull, a kids area with a large inflatable slide and the "Bluegill Lagoon", featuring a 60 x 100' VIP beach, with cabanas, private wading pools & lounge area. Additionally, Southern Illinois' largest fireworks display will begin at 9:30pm, and is free for all guest.

Broadway In Chicago presents the hottest shows in Chicago's bustling Downtown Theater District. On the stages of the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Bank of America Theatre, Auditorium Theatre and Broadway Playhouse, you will discover theater productions direct from Broadway, along with world premieres.

To conclude its 2015-2016 season, Drury Lane Theatre presents the classic All-American musical Bye Bye Birdie. It's the late 1950's, and teenagers from across the United States are going crazy for the handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, his manager Albert is going into debt and is banking on Conrad's success. Disaster strikes when Conrad receives a draft notice to join the military. Albert stages a publicity stunt for Conrad to kiss one lucky fan on The Ed Sullivan Show before he leaves for the army. Fifteen-year-old Kim MacAfee from Sweet Apple, Ohio is selected. Conrad Birdie gets more than he bargained for when he arrives in the Midwestern town which is reeling with excitement for his visit.

Come out to Camp Lakewood and enjoy the views of Lake Pauline plus all the creature comforts. Camp Lakewood is an RV campground. The sites include cable, WiFi, 30/50 AMP. They also offer a one and two bedroom cabin that is fully furnished and self contained. The newest cabin sleeps five and includes Cable TV. They do offer tent sites as well for those who want to be a little closer to nature.

Bring the family to experience New Salem village after dark. Interpreters in period clothing will welcome you into the reconstructed log homes of the historic village where Abraham Lincoln lived for six years.

This museum is located in an 1889 school building and features a permanent exhibit honoring Jane Addams, who was born and raised in Cedarville. Miss Addams was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Museum exhibits include personal items and memorabilia from her life and the life of her family. There are also changing exhibits on topics of local historical interest and a research center and a research center. Open: May thru October: Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm - 4 pm; or by appointment.

Hop aboard the family-owned Celebration Belle riverboat that cruises the mighty Mississippi River. Operating April through October, the 800-passenger riverboat offers a variety of cruises, ranging from sightseeing tours to theme cruises such as Big Band and fall foliage, captain's dinner and dance cruises, and overnight excursions.

The Chanute Air Museum celebrates the 76 year legacy of the former Chanute Air Force base and the development Illinois aviation. The Museum showcases over 30 aircraft, including a rare P-51H Mustang and XB-47 Stratojet, while exhibits include "Life at Chanute" and "The 99th Pursuit Squadron: From Rantoul to Ramitelli and Beyond." Bus parking and a gift shop are available.

The Chief Keokuk Campground features 70 pads with electrical hook-ups for trailers, plus 25 tent sites (All camping Class B/E). There is a shower building on site. A sanitary dump station is near the camping area. A primitive cabin, Chief Tecumseh, is also available. The cabin is located on a slope overlooking Johnson Lake. A fire grill, table and BBQ grill are provided outside. A full size bed, two sets of bunk beds, a table and benches are provided inside. The cabin has heat and air conditioning as well as two ceiling fans. Reservations can be made, for dates between May 1st and November 1st, at ReserveAmerica.com for the campgrounds and cabin.

Ski along scenic slopes at Galena's Chestnut Mountain Resort, perched high above the Mississippi River. Rated by Ski Magazine as one of the top ski resorts in the Midwest, Chestnut Mountain goes all out with a snowboarding park and night skiing. Stay at the rustic 120-room lodge, which has three restaurants, including the fine-dining Sunset Grille. There are fun non-skiing activities in the summer as well, including boat cruises on the Mississippi Explorer and the exhilarating Alpine Slide, which speeds 2,000 feet down a hillside. Or try the new Segway Mountain Adventure Tours, a three-mile guided ride through rolling terrain.

Take a fun, educational guided walking and tasting tour of select chocolate shops along the Magnificent Mile or in the Loop. Learn about the history of chocolate and sample chocolate delights on this tasty tour

One of the most storied teams in all of sports, if not MLB, the Chicago Cubs located on the North side of Chicago call the friendly confines of Wrigley Field home since 1916. Come for a game, for the crowd, for the history of being in an historic ballpark. Sit out in the bleachers and watch the Cubs as they try to break the longest championship drought in professional sports.

Find impressive savings at over 120 designer and name-brand outlet stores, such as Ann Taylor, Armani, ASICS, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, DKNY, Gap, J.Crew, Lacoste, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Kors, Theory, Vera Bradley and more. The opening of an additional 80 stores in the spring of 2016 will make this even more of a Midwest Shopping destination! In Aurora, 37 miles west of Chicago.

The Chicago River Architecture Tour is a 60-minute journey through the heart of the city. Led by an architectural expert, this in-depth tour traces the history and innovations of urban architecture in Chicago.

Come out to Allstate Arena this summer to enjoy a night of world-class basketball and family fun with the Chicago Sky! With a season that runs May through August, the Sky provides summer-fun for all ages. Chicago's premier women’s professional basketball team offers fans the unique opportunity to get their group in the game, and on the court. Groups can register to high five the Sky players, deliver the game ball to the referee, play on the same court as the Sky or sing the National Anthem. No other sporting event allows you to get as up-close-and-personal with the players!

Indulge your decadence in the heart of historic downtown Galena. With well over 200 flavors of Swiss, German, French, Belgian, Venezuelan and domestic chocolates – Chocolate’ is the destination all chocolate lovers must experience.

Discover the beautifully restored, historic Vaudeville-Era Dinner Playhouse. Circa '21 services up exciting musical productions with dinner. Even your wait staff are part of the pre-show! Watch your waiter dance, and sing before each show begins. Matinee performances are also available. Check website for current show schedule.

They've amazed Ravinia audiences with their uncanny recreations of the Beatles Abbey Road and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. Now relive one of the most important rock albums ever released, Led Zeppelin's, Led Zeppelin II - note for note, cut for cut. Tickets: $55/45, and Lawn $27 in advance and $32 the day of the show.

Pioneer artisan and craftsman demonstration, historic building tours, kids activities, craft vendors, with food and refreshments. Enjoy period music and audience participation entertainment throughout the weekend in an 1820's pioneer village.

This award-winning hotel with 82 suites offers a deluxe hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness room, free high-speed Internet and business meeting facilities. A preferred hotel conveniently located adjacent to the Metra Station, with easy expressway access to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) & Midway International Airport (MDW). We are also located just minutes from Aurora Municipal Airport (ARR).

What started out as a customer appreciation party in 1994 is now the largest Corvette party in the world! Join more than 14,000 Corvettes at this four-day celebration with expert seminars, awards, burn-out wars, product displays, fashion shows, Corvette Clubs, a Swap Fest, live entertainment and, of course, Corvettes!

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located primarily in Williamson County, with small extensions into eastern Jackson and northeastern Union counties of southern Illinois. At almost 44,000 acres and with three lakes, Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devils Kitchen, endless opportunities abound for watching wildlife, hiking nature trails, photography, swimming, fishing from the bank or by boat, and hunting. Four seasonally operational campgrounds are open from April-October and offer full hook-up, water, electric, or non-electric sites. Refuge staff and volunteers at the visitor center welcome visitors and sightseers 7 days a week from 8am-4:30pm. Visitor activities such as guided hikes, bald eagle tours, and monthly F.U.N. programs help connect families with the diversity of flora and fauna that southern Illinois has to offer. The Refuge provides many opportunities for wildlife-dependent outdoor recreation for the nature lover in us all.

Cracker Jax began in 1984 as a vintage clothing store and has since transformed into the magical place it is today! All senses are delighted as you shop 15 cases of new and vintage jewelry, eclectic clothing, soy candles, oils, incense, gemstones of every kind, unique gifts, stunning greeting cards, books, antique and shabby chic furniture, art and one-of-a-kind treasures. We are lovers of all things beautiful!

Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment.

The opulent Cuneo Museum and Gardens, located on 75 acres and dotted with formal gardens and statuary was the perfect setting for the wedding scenes in "My Best Friend's Wedding." The gazebo where the best friends were caught kissing was built specifically for the film, but Cuneo's owners liked it so much they decided to keep it permanently. Take a guided tour through the historic Mediterranean-style Cuneo mansion to see Renaissance artworks and lavish European furnishings.

You’ve seen them race, now drive in real stock cars that have been used in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. At the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure, you can drive around Chicagoland Speedway at speeds over 170 mph. Or you can choose the Ride-Along to experience the thrill of NASCAR racing like never before as a professional driver thunders you around the track. In 2014, the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure will be at Chicagoland Speedway June 14-15 and August 16-17. See their site for more details.

The Village of Deerfield will be celebrating the holidays with festive activities for every age. Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, roasted chestnuts, carolers, live animals and more. Local downtown businesses will have seasonal treats and activities. Music, hot cocoa and more.

Corn Fest is one of the last, free, summer, music festivals among Illinois music and summer festivals in Illinois. Well over 100,000 people from around Illinois and the Midwest attend the music festival over a three day weekend. This festival features a carnival complete with rides and games, food booths, free live music, kiddie korner with large inflatables, family entertainment and much more. Friday night is carnival wristband nights for the kids with unlimited rides from 6-10pm. Festival areas feature food and business vendor booths, and a beer garden

The DeKalb County Barn Tour is a one-day driving tour of barn sites within DeKalb County hosted by the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association and the JF Glidden Homestead & Historical Center. Participants will receive a map Guide Book containing hand-drawn sketches of each barn and the barn’s history, style and use. Participants drive to each location in any order for a tour of the barn(s), including many interiors. Purchase your event ticket at any of the seven locations. Admission is $20 per vehicle (buses extra) (Museum members receive a 25% discount). Bus groups are welcome.

Enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Open whether cloudy or clear. If cloudy, there will be a presentation or discussion on related topics.Open: May thru September: First and Third Saturdays of the Month: 8 pm

At Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa go golfing on one of four championship courses, horseback riding along hilly wooded trails, boating on the sapphire waters of Lake Galena, or soaring over the countryside in a hot air balloon with Galena on the Fly. Relax in the luxury of the resort’s Stonedrift Spa with a pampering massage. Eagle Ridge offers a wide variety of lodging that ranges from traditional inn rooms to golf villas and distinctive homes.

You don’t have to travel north to see these majestic birds of prey. Thousands of eagles migrate south from Canada during the winter and Illinois is one of the homes of the greatest population of wintering bald eagles. The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica offers a “Bald Eagle Trolley Tour” in January and February on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Viewing birds from the Veranda at the Starved Rock Lodge is good as well. Dress warmly though. This great viewing spot is right outside the doors of the Great Room. If you’d like some exercise, take a hike on one of the trails at the Starved Rock State Park. One trail begins right at the Veranda. For a birds eye view, hike to the top of the Rock. Another popular event is "Eagle Watch Weekend" with activites both at the Starved Rock Lodge and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center.

The Egyptian Theatre hosts film festivals, special movie screenings, and live entertainment events. This theatre is a 1929, fully restored Egyptian Art Deco movie palace and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Egyptian is also available for rentals, tours, weddings, graduations, parties and receptions. Capacity: 1,419 Raised stage with dressing room below; balcony and lobby space.

The story of the Ellwood House reflects the central role of Isaac Ellwood in the development of the barbed wire industry in America. The magnificent estate is also a testimony to three generations of the Ellwood family whose tastes shaped the evolution of the house and grounds. As you visit Ellwood House you will be aware of the comfort and quality of workmanship. At the same time, you also sense the warmth and hospitality of a family home that was lived in for almost one hundred years. The Ellwood House provides historical tours of the grand Victorian and are approximately one hour tour times. Tours are available for teachers, students, groups, and families. Capacity: 80-100

Taste soft reds, crisp whites and luscious fruit wines all make at the winery using the best of Illinois grapes. Watch wine being made and then relax and enjoy a glass of wine in the tasting room or on the deck overlooking the vineyard. The Sweet & Savory Plate of meats, cheeses, fruits and chocolate is available daily for a light lunch or snack. Special events are held throughout the year including vineyard tours, festivals and wine & food pairings and a small private room is available for showers, parties & meetings. To learn more about Famous Fossil wines or upcoming events, visit our website. Open: June thru December: daily: 11 am - 6 pm; January thru May: Wednesday thru Saturday: 11 am - 6 pm; Sunday: Noon - 5 pm.

Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare” partnered with wine and live musical entertainment. The Fall Harvest Market offers food and floral demos, unique displays plus Kid’s Patch activities. An arts and crafts show, flower market, horse-drawn carriage rides and several exceptional wine tasting and dinner events also take place around the historic downtown.

For model railroad aficionados -- and everyone else who ever enjoyed model trains -- this model railroad is something to see. The Fever River Railroad is a 120X24-foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad running from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri. This fully operational model railroad has detailed scenery, rail yards, factories, and interchanges with many other railroads. The model railroad allows for the operation of multiple trains along railroad right-of-way that portrays typical towns along the Duluth to St. Louis route. The Fever River Railroad is an ongoing project with upgrades to the layout and scenery that provides an exciting model railroad experience. A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures, many from the surrounding area, are on display throughout the facility. The Stephenson Society of Model Trainmen, who operate the railroad, host an open house twice a year, and visitors are welcome at other times by appointment.

First Slice in Chicago isn’t just a great place to get slice of pie, it’s much more to the hundreds of people they help feed through their Shareholder Program; and even more to the people they help provide skills for so they can find work in restaurants throughout the city. That warm feeling you get from eating at First Slice could just be from the fresh delicious ingredients they use, or perhaps from the satisfaction of helping out.

From the Field Cooking School and Catering, located in Morton, offers a variety of cooking classes and catering services. Classes are hands on; and From the Field is happy to build a class around your needs… just tell them what you’re looking for! There’s something for everyone: from couples’s classes to knife skills, kitchen rentals to corporate outings, and custom baked goods made just to your liking. We are a culinary education center designed for the everyday person. We teach you how to prepare great meals, cooking techniques, the science of cooking, kitchen safety and sanitation, some food history and other useful information presented in clear easy to understand and entertaining manner. We offer hands-on cooking classes, demonstration classes, couple's night, corporate team building, private group cooking classes and offer commercial kitchen rental.

A Ghirardelli® Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is the perfect destination to experience decadent chocolate & irresistible World Famous Hot Fudge Sundaes topped with freshly homemade hot fudge. While at a Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop, you can also indulge in unforgettable fountain treats including shakes, floats, malts and other delectable fountain creations.

Gladys Knight the seven-time Grammy winner, has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. Along with the O'Jays this is set to be a great night of music not to be missed. Tickets: $75/65, Lawn: $38 in advance and $43 the day of the show.

This country home, located in Grafton, Illinois, is nestled on over 70 acres of trees, pasture and farmland. Enjoy hours with your family exploring the outdoors, fishing, roasting marshmallows or taking a ride on the paddle boat. The property features pond fishing, camping, bonfire and BBQ facilities, hiking areas and picnicking. No hunting is allowed on the property but hunters are more than welcome to stay in this region known for its duck and deer hunting. Reservations are required.

One of the few true American musical forms, bluegrass - that high, lonesome sound created by Bill Monroe over 50 years ago - has steadily gained in popularity over the years, and for good reason. It's natural. It's organic. We are proud to present a few of the finest bluegrass acts to be found anywhere. Hosted by local bluegrass heroes Firebox, Tuscan Hills Winery will have two days of amazing picking, beautiful bowing and soaring vocal harmonies - we can't think of a more harmonious way to bring the summer to a close! This is a rain or shine event. Bring your lawn chairs! There will be a variety of great food and beverages including water, soda, coffee, tea, beer and wine available for purchase on the festival grounds. Parking is free and within 25 to 100 yards away from the venue & of course handicapped parking is available. All ages are welcome. Be sure to check out the web address for more information on tickets and pricing: http://www.grapevinebluegrass.com.

One of the few true American musical forms, bluegrass - that high, lonesome sound created by Bill Monroe over 50 years ago - has steadily gained in popularity over the years, and for good reason. It's natural. It's organic. We are proud to present a few of the finest bluegrass acts to be found anywhere. Hosted by local bluegrass heroes Firebox, Tuscan Hills Winery will have two days of amazing picking, beautiful bowing and soaring vocal harmonies - we can't think of a more harmonious way to bring the summer to a close! This is a rain or shine event. Bring your lawn chairs! There will be a variety of great food and beverages including water, soda, coffee, tea, beer and wine available for purchase on the festival grounds. Parking is free and within 25 to 100 yards away from the venue & of course handicapped parking is available. All ages are welcome. Be sure to check out the web address for more information on tickets and pricing: http://www.grapevinebluegrass.com.

Come home to Green Tree Inn where you can enjoy all the comforts of home and more. Let us pamper you while you enjoy the peacefulness of the quaint village often referred to as the “town that time forgot”. Green Tree Inn is located right off the Great River Road between Alton and Grafton. Take advantage of all the local activities and then come back to the Inn to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. All rooms have private bathrooms with shower/tub combo. Take advantage of our screened in porch, fire pit in the garden or fireplace in our great room to relax and unwind. The Inn is great in all seasons. Free Wi-Fi is available. Bicycles are available for our guests to take a leisurely ride around the village or on one of the local bike trails. This is a non-smoking facility

The Robert L. Mees Village Centre serves as the hub of the Harrison/Bruce Historical Village by providing a venue for College and community events. Historical buildings include: The Purdy School, a one-room public school in Perry County, IL from 1860-1951. The Julia Harrison Bruce House, a replica of the house the house that was built in 1868 by David Ruffin Harrison. The Harrison Storefront, this "double dog trot" style log cabin is a replica of the cabin the David Ruffin Harrison family occupied prior to the construction of the brick, "Harrison House". And The Hunter Cabin, Emmanuel Hunter built the Hunter Log Cabin in 1818; the year Illinois became a state.

The Hennepin Canal State Park, a 104-mile linear park, is a rustic, historic, educational, and recreational jewel spanning five counties and includes the entire width of Henry County with access points in Annawan, Atkinson, Geneseo, and Colona. It offers an up-close look at a fascinating piece of transportation history. It is popular with bicyclists who ride from town to town exploring the history, dining, lodging, and entertainment possibilities as they travel. The canal multi-purpose recreational trail is a portion of the American Discovery Trail, a 6,800-mile coast-to-coast trail devoted to non-motorized use. It is also part of the Grand Illinois Trail, a 535-mile loop through northern Illinois. The tree-lined park is a refuge with prairie restorations and wetlands slicing through corn and soybean farmland. Home to diverse flora and fauna, it has become a favorite for bird watchers and prairie enthusiasts. It offers numerous year-round opportunities to boat, hike, bike, fish, ride horseback, snowmobile, ice skate, and cross-country ski. Explore Henry County’s jewel – the Hennepin Canal. In wintertime experience the longest snowmobile trail in the state -- 91 miles on the tow path. You can use the ice at your own risk, but pay heed to the locks, bridges and culverts where the ice likely is thinner than the rest of the canal. Bring your blades, skating along the canal is free! Keep in mind the rule is there must be 4" of snow and 6" of frost on canal for route to be open. Call the Visitor Center for automated message.

Farm dinners at Heritage Prairie Farm, in Elburn have been a tradition since 2007. All farm dinners include a welcome cocktail upon arrival to the farm with butler-passed appetizers, and live acoustic music. For dinner, an upscale five-course meal, introduced by the chef himself, is served family-style in a charming atmosphere, regardless of the season. Get an inside look at how the farm operates from one of their knowledgeable staff with a private tour of the farm.

This engaging retail experience features the full line of Hershey's products, as well as one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs Be entertained by the singing baker at the bake shoppe, offering cupcakes, cookies and brownies all topped with Hershey's products.

What started as a retail shop in the small farm town of Homer, has expanded into a national wholesale soda distributor. Shop hundreds of flavors of soda in this adorable little shop located on Homer's main drag. Pick up anything from the classic orange soda to bacon and cherry infused, so you get as creative as you like. While you'll see these sodas at restaurants and shops all over town, there's nothing better than picking these up right from the distributor.

Hoosier Mama Pie Company in Chicago is a new artisanal bakery striving to be a great "old" pie company. The pies are created by hand; kneading the dough, pinching the crust and using only the freshest ingredients. It’s one of the greatest pieces of diner pie you’ve never eaten.

Springfield's only Nationallly Landmarked Inn... The Inn offers 13 guest rooms plus six extended stay suites, all with attached private bathes, internet, Wi-Fi, voicemail, wake-up calls and individual thermostatic room controls. Enjoy the Inn's amenities during your stay; a full Midwestern breakfast, local and national newspapers, and free off street parking. During your visit you will be within walking distance to most historic sites, all of the downtown and public transportation.

Join Itzhak Perlman on the violin and Emanuel Ax on the piano for a great night of music under the stars at Ravinia. Program to include violin sonatas by Richard Strauss, Fauré and Mozart. Tickets are $95/80 and lawn seats are $20.

This multi-use 17 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and 21 decked bridges, including a covered bridge in Orangeville, passing wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail, named after Jane Addams, is part of the Grand Illinois Trail which traverses northern Illinois from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclists, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. The The tow miles of trail between the Wes Block Trail Access and Illinois 26 is an asphalt paved surface. The final two mile asphalt paved segment from Highway 26 to the Tutty's Crossing Trailhead on the riverfront in historic downtown Freeport will open in summer 2015. This segment crosses the 1885 Van Buren Street Bridge to the Old River School Historic District, the original north entryway into the City, and through historic downtown Freeport offering specialty shops, restaurants, a bicycle shop offering repairs, and more. At Tutty's Crossing, the Jane Addams Trail connects with the Pecatonica Prairie Trail currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. The Jane Addams Trail connects the Wisconsin state line to the Badger Trail which extends to Madison. Access to the trail is available at the West Block Access, 2636 W. Fairview Road, Freeport, at the Richland Creek Trailhead, 101 N. Ewing Street, Orangeville, at Cedarville Road, at Red Oak off of Beaver Road, and by mid-summer at Turry's Crossing in downtown Freeport. Trail Maps are available.

One of the biggest names in late-night comedy, Leno, is known for skewering pop culture and politics without being mean. Millions worldwide love him for his every man style and personality. Seeing this king of comedy live on stage is not to be missed. Tickets go on sale April 3rd.